The iPad Pro family is a line of iPadtablet computers designed, developed, and marketed by Apple Inc., that runs the iOS mobile operating system. Its current generation is available in two screen sizes, 11-inch (28 cm) and 12.9-inch (33 cm),[12] each with four options for internal storage capacities: 64, 256, 512 GB, or 1 TB.

The first iPad Pro, the 12.9-inch version, was announced on September 9, 2015,[13] and released on November 11, 2015.[14] It is larger than all previous iPad models and the first iPad tablet to feature LPDDR4 RAM.[1] The 12.9-inch tablet was later followed by the smaller 9.7-inch version, which was announced on March 21, 2016, and released on March 31 that same year.[15]

On June 5, 2017, the second generation iPad Pro was announced, which features A10X Fusion processors, with basic storage of 64 GB, and optional 512 GB. Upgraded displays include a new 10.5-inch version to replace the 9.7-inch model, while the 12.9-inch version was refreshed.[16] Following this announcement, both models of the first generation iPad Pro were discontinued.

The third generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 30, 2018. It is available in two screen sizes: 11-inch (28 cm) and 12.9-inch (33 cm). They feature full screen displays, with the 11-inch model replacing the 10.5-inch model of the previous generation. They also feature up to 1 TB of storage and Face ID which works in both vertical and horizontal orientations, a feature that does not apply to iPhones with Face ID. The third generation does not feature a home button.

The 12.9-inch version of the iPad Pro was announced during an Apple Special Event on September 9, 2015. It was released on November 11, 2015 with gold, silver, and space gray color options. Prices ranging from US$799.99 to $1,229.99 based on storage size and cellular connectivity. On March 21, 2016, the 9.7 inch version of the iPad Pro was announced at an Apple keynote with an additional rose gold color option. The 9.7 inch version also introduced the ability to choose base 32GB Model with Cellular + WiFi option. (Previously, Cellular + WiFi option was only available on 128GB iPad Pro models.) The 9.7 inch model is priced from $599 to $1,129 depending on the configuration. It was released on March 31, 2016.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro, when compared to the iPad Air 2, features a faster CPU, a better camera, and is the first iPad to feature True Tone Flash and Retina Flash. It also had the highest storage for an iPad at the time with a 256 GB storage option and has a True Tone display, which allows the LCD to adapt to ambient lighting to change its color and intensity in different environments.[15]

Both iPad Pro models include the A9X chip and the Apple M9 motion co-processor. The 9.7 inch model, however, has a slightly underclocked CPU (2.16 GHz compared to 2.26 GHz on the 12.9 inch model) and only 2 GB of RAM. A number of features are carried over from the standard iPad, such as Touch ID and the Retina Display. New features include a smart connector for a keyboard and four stereo speakers located in pairs on top and bottom of the device. The 12.9 inch model has a 2732-by-2048 Retina Display at 264 pixels per inch, and the 9.7 inch model has a 2048-by-1536 Retina Display at 264 pixels per inch and features a variable refresh rate, a first for Apple. The 12.9 inch version of the iPad Pro is the first iPad to include 4 GB of RAM.

A customized 12.9 inch iPad Pro was also designed by Jony Ive and submitted to the Time for Design auction. The special edition iPad Pro has an "Edition 1 of 1" label engraved on its back and comes with a custom yellow-gold anodised finish, a blue leather Smart Cover and an orange leather Apple Pencil case cover, all of which are not sold by Apple elsewhere.[17][18]

The second generation of iPad Pro was announced on June 5, 2017 alongside iOS 11 at the 2017 WWDC. The second-generation iPad Pro models, at 10.5-inch and 12.9-inch, have an A10X hexa-core CPU and with a 12-core GPU, Apple's ProMotion display technology which supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision content (with iOS 11 or later) with a 120 Hz refresh rate and their True Tone display is 50 percent brighter than the earlier models; both sizes also have a 12-megapixel rear-facing camera with quad-LED True-Tone flash and a 7-megapixel front-facing camera with Retina Flash.[16] They have USB-C connection speeds using Lightning cables, with USB-C fast-charge support.[19] The second generation iPad Pro has storage capacities up to 512 GB.

On March 18, 2019, the second generation iPad Pro 10.5-inch was discontinued since it was replaced by the iPad Air.

The third generation of iPad Pro was announced on October 30, 2018,[20][21] during an Apple Special Event at the Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. The redesigned 2018 models feature new edge-to-edge Liquid Retina displays, Face ID, improved 12MP and 7MP cameras, USB-C connectors, and Apple A12X Bionic processors. The tablets are offered in 11-inch and 12.9-inch sizes, and are the first iPad models to offer tap-to-wake LCD displays (following the iPhone X[22]), and up to 1TB of internal storage. Additionally, the third generation tablets lack both Touch ID and a headphone jack; the former having been superseded by Face ID.[23][24] They were released on November 7, 2018 and are only available in silver and space gray.

There are four accessories made specifically for iPad Pro, all of which are sold separately: a "smart" screen cover; an attachable keyboard, Smart Keyboard; an active bluetooth tracking stylus, Apple Pencil; and a form-fitted silicone case that is compatible with the Smart Keyboard.[25]

Smart Keyboard docks with iPad Pro using the Smart Connector, a magnetic connection that provides data transfer and power. Smart Keyboard, which doubles as a kickstand, is comparable to that of the competing Microsoft Surface Pro.[26] The design of the Smart Keyboard is similar to the design of the Smart Cover accessory.[27]

The first generation Apple Pencil is a precision stylus exclusive to the iPad Pro, iPad 2018, and the iPad Air and iPad Mini released in 2019. The accessory is rechargeable via the Lightning port on the tablet itself.[28][29] iPad Pro introduces a new display with increased responsiveness and precision over previous iPad displays with Apple Pencil support added.[30][31] During the keynote, Apple demonstrated drawing, managing publication layout, and document annotation.[32][33][34]

The second generation Apple Pencil, heavily based on its predecessor, functions exclusively with the 2018 iPad Pro models.[35] Its new features include gesture controls and wireless magnetic charging and pairing.

The iPad Pro's 9.7-inch version set a record among all currently released tablets tested in color accuracy, screen reflectance, peak brightness, contrast rating in high ambient light, and smallest color variation. However, the iPad Pro 12.9-inch version tested to having better contrast ratio in the dark.[36]

Scott Stein from CNET praised the faster processor and new accessories available. However, he criticized the cost of both the unit and its accessories, while noting its slightly slower processor with less RAM compared to the larger 12.9-inch model.[41] Matt Swider from TechRadar complimented the easy handling, large 256GB configuration and True Tone display, but was upset about the high starting price.[42] Gareth Beavis gave a positive review, commending the expansive screen and audio quality but stated that the battery life could be made longer.[43]

Max Parker from TrustedReviews and Gareth Beavis from TechRadar both praised the 10.5-inch model's high-quality audio and performance, though both critics noted that it was expensive.[44][45]

Reviewing the 12.9 inch second-generation iPad Pro, Lauren Goode of The Verge complimented the quality camera, A10X processor and large screen size, but argued that the device could have been cheaper.[46]

The third generation iPad Pro models were praised for their better displays, slimmed bezels, and general speed as well as CPU improvements. Ben Sin from Forbes noted that although the screen is still an LCD screen, the 120 Hz refresh rate makes it feel more smooth.[47] The switch to USB-C connectors received mixed reviews; external monitor support and device charging were added at the cost of extra dongles to use older cables and headphones.[48] Some reviewers noted that although the hardware updates are great steps forward, iOS's limitations including the lack of external storage capabilities prevents the third generation from competing against computers. Its high prices were also criticized.[49][50]

Moreover, the body has been criticized for its ability to bend and break easily. Users on forum boards have reported the iPad bending after a few days of use, or after carrying it around in a backpack. YouTuber Zack Nelson then published a video on his channel JerryRigEverything showing the device cracking and snapping in half after applying just a small amount of pressure with his hands in the center of the device.[51][52] Nelson conluded that the "two weakest points, [were] right dead center on either side of the iPad Pro, [and] the crack happened at the very poorly placed microphone hole and the new Apple Pencil 2 charging duct".[53] Reports of devices already bent right out of the box (most of these devices are cellular models) also surfaced. Apple responded to these reports quickly, asserting that this is normal and a non-issue,[54] a response that has been criticized.[55][56] According to Apple, the bending is a byproduct of their new manufacturing process. Apple has added a support page relating to these issues.[57]

Contoured aluminum back and bezelWi-Fi + cellular models also have a piece of plastic for the cellular antenna. The color of the plastic on an iPad Air or earlier is black; on the iPad Air 2 or later it is black or white.